The preparatory work is under way for the start of construction of two projects at Charles Sturt University (CSU) at Bathurst worth more than $9 million. The extensive refurbishment of the University’s corporate headquarters, The Grange, has commenced, along with development of the new Dental and Oral Health Clinic which is a feature of the School of Dentistry and Health Sciences. The Director of Planning, Design and Construction at the CSU Division of Facilities Management, Mr Richard Barraclough, said these projects are part of the University’s extensive multi-million dollar 2007-2011 capital works program. “Work at The Grange is valued at $3.2 million, including furniture and equipment, and is expected to be completed by April 2010. The Dental and Oral Health Clinic is valued at $6.16 million including furniture, fittings, dental chairs and instrumentation, and is due for completion by May 2010. Both projects are being undertaken by Joss Constructions,” Mr Barraclough said.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) academics have a new opportunity to bring their education research to the forefront of international efforts in Indigenous, rural and remote, and environmental education. Professor Jo-Anne Reid, Associate Dean of the CSU Faculty of Education at Bathurst, and President of the Australian Association for Research in Education, said the newly established World Education Research Association (WERA) is a worldwide network of education researchers which will bring together the very best of education research. “We live in a global world and education in Australia can only benefit from being a part of this international body,” Professor Reid said. “These collaborations extend and enrich our own knowledge across all fields of education.” One study currently underway which has the potential for global application is TERRAnova, an Australian Research Council-funded project run in collaboration with researchers from four Australian universities looking at the factors which appear to make a difference in attracting and retaining teachers in rural communities. “Our nationwide study is focusing on schools in communities that have been nominated as successful in attracting and retaining good teachers. This is truly a global issue that, through research, can impact positively on our future as a nation, as well as internationally,” she said.

Charles Sturt University (CSU) staff and students will be out to show school students from Wodonga Middle Years School that anyone from anywhere can aspire to go to the University. The Year 9 students who are from various cultural and lower socio-economic backgrounds will attend a mock lecture, tour facilities on the Albury-Wodonga Campus at Thurgoona and take part in a Permablitz that will be running on site during their visit on Friday 30 October. The students are taking part in the American-based program, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID), which is supported by CSU. “AVID helps students to understand their options and encourages them to continue their education to Year 12 and beyond. It is a ‘can do’ project that works closely with students to raise their self-esteem and create a positive attitude,” said Ms Sandra Boyd, event coordinator and CSU Equity Officer.

“Lock up your daughters, the Aggies are in town”, was the rumour that spread through town in 1959 when the students of Wagga Wagga Agricultural College, a predecessor of Charles Sturt University (CSU), visited Wagga for a social occasion. These and other fond memories will be shared when the Class of 1959 gets together for their 50-year reunion at CSU at Wagga Wagga on Wednesday 28 October. Organiser Mr Ian Mashman expects 29 of the graduating 33 students will attend, bringing along years of memories, reflections and yarns on what their lives have become. “Two of our class went on to earn PhDs and we’ve managed to contribute to subsequent generations with 181 grandchildren between us,” he said. “About 13 of us became long-term farmers, and with few exceptions the balance worked in associated agricultural and viticultural industries,” said Mr Mashman. While life is vastly different for the agricultural science students of 2009, back in 1959 there were only five cars on campus. But Mr Mashman reflects, “I don’t think that much has changed, we had great fun in those days”.

TAFE students who have enrolled in or recently completed Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses at TAFE Western, the Canberra Institute of Technology and TAFE NSW Riverina Institute can now win scholarships to further their education at Charles Sturt University (CSU). Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at CSU, Professor Ross Chambers, says applications for the 12 scholarships, each worth $2 500, are available for 2010, with four scholarships available at each institution. “The CSU University Pathway Scholarship Program is part of the University’s ongoing commitment to create strong education pathways and collaboration from TAFE to University in our regional cities and regions,” Professor Chambers said. Acting Institute Director at TAFE Western, Ms Kate Baxter, says each year a number of TAFE Western graduates seek higher qualifications by studying at universities. “These scholarships will provide welcome support and encouragement and expand the opportunities for people in Western NSW to achieve their aspirations,” Ms Baxter said. Applications will close on Friday 27 November, with offers due to be made to successful TAFE students on Friday 11 December.

TAFE students who have enrolled in or recently completed Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses at the Canberra Institute of Technology, TAFE NSW Riverina Institute and TAFE Western can now win scholarships to further their education at Charles Sturt University (CSU). Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at CSU, Professor Ross Chambers, says applications for the 12 scholarships, each worth $2 500, are available for 2010, with four scholarships available at each institution. “The CSU University Pathway Scholarship Program is part of the University’s ongoing commitment to create strong education pathways and collaboration from TAFE to University in our regional cities and regions,” says Professor Chambers. Dr Colin Adrian, Chief Executive of the Canberra Institute of Technology, said it is extremely important that people with financial constraints are given the opportunity to further their education. “People top up their education to advance their careers and keep abreast of technical and social changes,” Dr Adrian said. “We no longer live in a world where one basic qualification will last our entire working life.” Scholarship applications will close on Friday 27 November, with offers due to be made to successful TAFE students on Friday 11 December.

TAFE students who have enrolled in or recently completed Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses at TAFE NSW Riverina Institute, the Canberra Institute of Technology and TAFE Western can now win scholarships to further their education at Charles Sturt University (CSU). Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) at CSU, Professor Ross Chambers, says applications for the 12 scholarships, each worth $2 500, are available for 2010, with four scholarships available at each institution. “The CSU University Pathway Scholarship Program is part of the University’s ongoing commitment to create strong education pathways and collaboration from TAFE to University in our regional cities and regions,” says Professor Chambers. Institute Director at TAFE NSW Riverina Institute, Ms Rosemary Campbell, acknowledges that CSU and Riverina Institute have become great educational partners. “We have a rich range of integrated programs which are envied across Australia,” Ms Campbell says. Applications will close on Friday 27 November, with offers due to be made to successful TAFE students on Friday 11 December.

A one-day event that highlights the new Inland Learning Experience (ILE) centre on Charles Sturt University’s (CSU) Thurgoona site will also see the start of permaculture gardens around the centre in a big rush! A so-called ‘Permablitz’ will be held for one day with assistance from public groups and interested individuals, starting at 8am on Friday 30 October at the ILE cottage. Event and ILE coordinator Dr John Rafferty says the Permablitz is a free event where the public can “learn a lot, share food, get some exercise and have a great time outside” while establishing public vegetable gardens based on permaculture principles around the ILE cottage. “The ILE provides a platform for the University and the Border community to work together on key issues involving sustainability,” Dr Rafferty says. For details on the CSU ILE Permablitz, including how to get involved, contact Dr Rafferty from CSU’s Murray School of Education on (02) 6051 9406 or email jrafferty@csu.edu.au.

International professional experience is invaluable for developing job-ready allied health professionals such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists, says Dr Michael Curtin from Charles Sturt University (CSU). On Wednesday 28 October, Dr Curtin, the coordinator of the CSU occupational therapy degree offered through the School of Community Health will discuss the benefits and challenges of undertaking overseas clinical placements to third-year students as part of the final year in their degrees in 2010. He will be joined by current final-year students who this year completed five to six week placements in Trung Tâm Bảo Trợ Trẻ Tàn Tật Mồ Côi Thị Nghè (Thị Nghè Orphanage) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. “There is no doubt that working at the orphanage challenges the students, and the skills they learn are useful in their professional and personal lives,” said Dr Curtin.